David Oakley

David Terrance "Terry" Oakley, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Fuquay-Varina, NC, on March 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 84 years old and surrounded by family and loved ones in his final moments.

Terry was born on October 11, 1940, in Valley City, North Dakota, and grew up in Cooperstown, ND. After high school, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from September 1959 to December 1966. As an Electrician's Mate, he was stationed aboard several destroyers, including the USS Hughes (DE-145), USS Norris (DE-859), and USS Grand Canyon. He played a vital role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, where the USS Norris helped enforce the naval quarantine off the coast of Cuba.

Following his honorable discharge, Terry had a successful 40-year career as a Master Electrician in the Boston.

While serving in the Navy, Terry met the love of his life, Barbara. They shared 50 wonderful years together until her passing in 2017.

Terry was known for his quiet strength, kindness, generosity, and unwavering honesty. He had a deep love for animals, a passion that began in his youth while working on farms in North Dakota. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, photography, raising birds (especially Finches), and collecting toy trains. He also loved snowmobiling and cherished his travels to Ireland to visit family. Above all, Terry was a devoted friend, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Terry is survived by his daughter, Nicole Quirk; daughter-in-law, Dr. Rachel Ash-Bernal; and his cherished granddaughter, Lydia Quirk. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Robertson and her husband Gary; brother, Rodney Oakley and his wife Ann; sister-in-law Ann Powers; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members, including Maureen Powers, Joyce Powers, Ann Zoller, Jessica Dustin, Kevin Dustin, Brian Powers, and Patrick Powers.

Services to honor Terry's life will be held as follows:

Funeral Service

Friday, March 28, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Winthrop Congregational Church, 16 N Franklin St, Holbrook, MA 02343

Burial Service (Please arrive by 2:00 PM)

Friday, March 28, 2025

2:30 PM

Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532 (Section #56, Site 1176)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Irreverent Warriors (website irreverentwarriors.com) donation website: https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/IrreverentWarriors/general in Terry's memory.

Terry's legacy of kindness, service, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.